American Sign Language (ASL) is growing in use every day. Hundreds of
colleges and universities accept ASL in fulfillment of language
entrance and exit requirements. Schools for the Deaf have many deaf and
hard of hearing students, dramatically increasing the need for sign
language teachers. Many school systems are now mainstreaming their deaf
and hard of hearing students, increasing the need for sign language
interpreters. Television stations are using sign language in programs
and advertising, and employers are looking for applicants who can sign.
Mothers are often teaching their babies to sign in order to communicate
many months earlier than with spoken language alone.